Apple invites users to test upcoming iOS updates

Apple has launched a public beta program for iOS (via 9to5Mac), with the latest build of iOS 8.3 (which includes advanced Message filtration features) acting as the first seed. The public program allows non-developers to opt-in to receiving pre-release software builds on their device, and in exchange, Apple expects both patience with bugs and feedback regarding what needs fixing. Before we get into the nitty gritty of what iOS 8.2 brings to the table, it is important to point out two aspects which could be immediate deal breakers for some: Sadly the most high profile bug in iOS 8 has not been fixed in iOS 8.2. The program offers pre-launch builds ahead of their general release on the App Store, but on a more intermittent pace compared to the developer-only seeds, meaning they are likely more generally stable than those releases.

After that, you will have to opt in for the iOS beta program and download a configuration profile. iOS 8.3 beta will appear as a software update in the Settings app after downloading the configuration profile. By far the biggest thread on Apple Support Communities, the so-called ‘WiFried’ issue causes phones to drop wireless connections and/or refuse to connect to wireless networks at all.

Apple’s test program for OS X was designed as a way to help the company get feedback and usage testing from a group of users who more closely resembled the broad spectrum of average consumers who would make up the bulk of the eventual end-user group. Fair warning, however: Beta software is notoriously buggy, so if you’re not willing to put up with a few glitches, you’re probably better off waiting until iOS 8.3’s public release.

It should also help Apple cut down on the grey market practice of people signing up for developer accounts and then charging people to be added to their device provisioning list for early access to preview software. As such there is little downside or benefit to affected users installing iOS 8.2, but for those still holding off on iOS 8 altogether the fear of the lack of a fix will likely be enough to make them hold off yet again. The languages that Siri will support in iOS 8.3 are English (India, New Zealand), Danish (Denmark), Dutch (Netherlands), Portuguese (Brazil), Russian (Russia), Swedish (Sweden), Thai (Thailand) and Turkish (Turkey). The company’s stock has been trending largely downward since a Monday event focused on the Apple Watch, its new wearable device slated for an April 24 release.

All iOS 8.2 upgraders (excluding the iPhone 4S which is incompatible with the Watch) will get a new Apple Watch app installed when they upgrade and it cannot be removed. On top of UI tweaks, it is now possible to add and visualise workout data from third party apps, turn off motion tracking and switch between metric and imperial measurements. HealthKit Fixes – Apple’s fitness platform didn’t only get upgrades, iOS 8.2 also addresses bugs when refreshing and importing data and adding Medical ID images.

The primary problem was making calls over Bluetooth with in-car kits particularly badly hit. iOS 8.2 calls these out specifically: ‘Fixes a Bluetooth calling issue where no audio is heard until the call is answered’. Maps, Mail, Music – all three core apps get stability upgrades, notably Apple Maps when using the 3D Flyover feature but Apple has not revealed any more specific details.

The good news is having taken a few days to inspect the complaints, there is no unifying problem that has raked up a mass of views – other than the WiFried thread getting ever longer and (understandably) grumpier. is already in testing and – as another major point release – its headline feature is predicted to be Apple’s long awaited Beats-based iTunes streaming music service. iOS 8.2 isn’t perfect and it really is about time Apple both addressed WiFried (an issue since iOS 8 launched in September) and reduced the amount of bloatware in iOS rather than adding to it. Yes some upgrade problems have been reported and those still happy on iOS 7 may see little reason to update, but it should hold no fear for the vast majority.